I have never ran across anyone personally who has this form of arthritis, either. I was diagnosed by a rheumatologist 2 years ago at age 35. He knew that my family doc had ruled out some other autoimmune problems with traditional testing, took one look at the minor psorisis patches on my elbows and the minor pitting in my nails and gave his diagnosis. I began taking Vioxx, had to quit because of blood pressure problems, so my family doctor began prescribing Celebrex. I don't find it to work any better than plain ol' cheap asprin and ibuprofen, so that is what I rely on. Usually just taking extra time to stretch in the morning and not over exerting helps control some of the pain. However, the distortion of finger joints are beginning to show, along with some pain. When I thought I had fibromyalgia I checked into ordering a mattress pad called a 'Cuddle Ewe'... still thinking about getting one, in fact. Also, look at the new memory foam mattresses. My mom recently purchased a top of the line extremely thick foam topped mattress, sewn on like a pillow top. She says she sleeps better than she has in years. Good luck.
[This message has been edited by chiannia (edited 08-29-2003).]
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